What foods to eat and what to avoid if you have diarrhea, says research

It is best to eat plain, dense, bland foods while you are dealing with diarrhea. There is nothing to worry about infrequent diarrhea. The reasons of diarrhea can vary. It ranges from stomach flu to a particular meal or ingredient you consumed which didn’t sit fit.

As some foods can aggravate symptoms, it is worthy to know the foodstuffs you should take when you have diarrhea. Peter Higgins, who is an MD, Ph.D. the director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor says that you want to eat simple, plain foods, especially in the first 24 hours.

“It is best to have thicker, bland foods, containing bananas, plain rice, oatmeal, and applesauce,” he says.

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, probiotics work by discharging “chemicals which break down the harmful toxins produced by corrupt bacteria producing ailments like diarrhea.”

Probiotics have become very prevalent and are found in foods, including:

Yogurt

Kombucha

Kefir

Sauerkraut

Kimchi

Some foods can move through your intestine very quickly and worsen your digestion. Also, these foods may aggravate diarrhea in other ways.

Avoid the following foods for diarrhea relief

After knowing what to eat when you have diarrhea, you should also see which foodstuffs to avoid.

Fatty foods; these comprise foods which are greasy, fried, or covered in gravy. Therefore, they can make diarrhea worse.

Milk, ice cream, butter, and cheese; even if the diarrhea isn’t due to lactose intolerance, stay away from these foods when you have diarrhea. Lactose intolerance is a difficulty in processing lactose, a sugar present in dairy products. There may be brief sensitivity to dairy products, even if you commonly have no problem through them. But probiotic-rich yogurt may be the exception. As some studies show probiotics help rebalance intestinal flora. And could reduce the extent of a bout of diarrhea.

Alcohol and sodas; when you have diarrhea, you need to steer clear of foods which cause you to lose fluids. Alcohol can act as a diuretic, as it is dehydrating so should be avoided, Dr. Higgins says. If you have diarrhea, sodas with high-fructose corn syrup can cause a problem.

According to a study published in the June 2017 issue of Healthcare, large amounts of fructose can distress the digestive system. It can also lead to gas, bloating, or diarrhea.

Sorbitol and other artificial sweeteners; some people find that synthetic sweeteners have a purgative effect on the digestive system. If you have diarrhea, it is better to pass on sugarless gum and candy, diet soft drinks, and sugar alternatives. Consuming sugars, causes your intestines to produce more water and electrolytes. Hence, it can then loosen your bowel movements and cause diarrhea.

Foods that cause excess gas; it’s vital to eat large amounts of vegetables and fruits daily. But when diarrhea raids, you need to avoid sets which can increase intestinal gas. For instance, cabbage, beans, and cauliflower, until you are feeling better.

Foods that may be spoiled; stay away from foods which may have been mistreated. For example foods out of the refrigerator for too long or inappropriately stored. Follow the old saying, “When in doubt, throw it out,” and you may protect yourself some stomach distress.

Other tactics for tackling diarrhea

One of the severe complications of diarrhea is dehydration. When you have diarrhea to an extent, take steps to avoid dehydration by consuming sufficient fluids, Higgins says.

“Look for fluids with salt and sugar — Pedialyte or full-salt soups work sound,” he says. “If your urine is unclear, or you are not making considerable urine, you are not drinking adequately.”

In terms of treatment, Higgins says, if you don’t have any contagion and are not seeing blood, you can take over-the-counter loperamide to slow your bowel movements. But take this kind of medication only for a day or two.

If diet and simple therapies aren’t functioning. And if symptoms continue for more than a few days including gas, bleeding, and bloating, you should see a doctor. Therefore, your doctor can conclude whether the diarrhea is caused by a serious disorder. He can suggest you proper treatment.